Emergency fire ban in effect for unincorporated areas of Asotin County

Share this story

»Play VideoThe penalty for violating the ban starts at $50 for the first violation, $200 for the second violation, all the way up to $10,000 for those who do not comply.

CLARKSTON, WA - The Asotin County Commissioners authorized a fire ban for all of unincorporated Asotin County Monday morning, which means no open fires or flames for the rest of the season.

Building Official and County Planner Karst Riggers teamed up with Asotin County Fire Chief Noel Hardin to put together a resolution for the emergency fire ban. Riggers said the ban, which generally happens every year, does permit the use barbeque's and gas grills in Asotin County.

"This affects all areas outside of the city limits, outside of Clarkston and Asotin so all the entire unincorporated area of Asotin County," said Riggers.

Riggers said this means no fires at all beaches upriver except for the island of Chief Timothy. The penalty for violating the ban starts at $50 for the first violation, $200 for the second violation, all the way up to $10,000 for those who do not comply.

Riggers said open burning season starts in October. However, the ban may still continue to be in effect depending on how dry it is in the area at that time.